Nelson Virgil Vecchione

(1958-2021) Nelson Virgil Vecchione, age 62, of Drexel Hill, passed away unexpectedly on May 16, 2021. Superhero expert, comic book collector, cigar aficionado, friend to dogs, and lover of Asian cuisine, classic rock, and karaoke, Nelson was a man of many interests and opinions. He was an avid reader, who watched the news regularly, was always thirsty for knowledge, committed himself to self-growth, and was astoundingly punctual. Nelson was born with cerebral palsy, which bent his body but never bowed his spirit. His zest for life was contagious, his honesty unparalleled, and his loyalty to those he loved unbreakable. Nelson’s faith was strong and he lived his life in the Jewish traditions of Tikkun Olam (to heal and repair the world) and Tzedakah (charity, justice, and good deeds). His lifetime of service to others and the community was deep and wide. It included anti-war civil disobedience, supporting homeless families through the People’s Emergency Center, working as a military personnel clerk at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Philadelphia, designing a workplace program for library patrons during his incarceration, and acting as a sponsor and mentor for recovering addicts and alcoholics for two decades. For the past several years, he has been a devoted member of the Havertown-Area Community Action Network (H-CAN) Disability and Accessibility Action Group and a leader in the Delaware County Coalition for Prison Reform. He regularly worked at the polls on Election Day and was a frequent blood and plasma donor. Born in Philadelphia, Nelson attended Widener Memorial School for K-12 and was briefly enrolled at Widener University, where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon’s Theta Lambda chapter. He later graduated from West Chester University with a B.S. in Professional Studies and minors in Anthropology, Ethnic Studies and International Business. The son of Paul Vecchione (deceased) and Sally Vecchione, née Dorfman (deceased), Nelson was one of nine children. He is survived by his twin sister, Neleen Lehman and her husband, Scott; his older sister and housemate, Bonnie Hallam; four older brothers and their wives—Paul, Jon and Julie, Mark and Kathy, Merrick and Patti; by dozens of cousins, nieces and great-nieces, nephews and great-nephews, and other relatives. Nelson was the listening ear, the watcher on the walls, the tie that bound. He will be remembered and missed not only by his family but also by countless friends, neighbors, and pets whose lives were made richer and better for having him in them. Nelson’s light in the world was bright and it will remain so as he returns to his place among the stars. Friday, May 21, 2021 at 1:30 PM – Viewing for family and close friends at Levine’s Funeral Home, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA 19008 (Masks required.) Attendance will be limited to 60 people at a time. Sunday, May 23, 2021 at 10:00 AM – Funeral Service at Mt. Jacob Cemetery, 700 W. Oak Lane, Glenolden, PA 19036, followed by a Celebration of Life at 1:00 PM to be held outside at Collenbrook United Church, 5290 Township Line Road, Drexel Hill, PA 19026. Family and Friends are welcome to join. (Please be mindful and wear masks according to vaccination status and comfort levels.) Please contact the family for details about sitting shiva www.LevineFuneral.com